Refugees on Gavdos: what travelers should know
Gavdos, the small island south of Crete, is known for its remoteness and untouched nature. Unfortunately, Europe's southernmost island has been in the news more and more often recently. Increasing numbers of migrants are reaching Gavdos on boats from North Africa. How are people on Gavdos dealing with the situation and how is the new influx of refugees affecting your trip to Gavdos? First of all: even though the situation is a major challenge for locals and authorities, I would like to ease your worries as a traveler! In this blog article you will find all the important information about the refugee situation on Gavdos. The article will be updated regularly!
#1 Why Gavdos? The escape route and geographical location of the island
Gavdos, Europe's southernmost point, lies around 170 nautical miles from the Libyan coast and is therefore a strategic hub for refugee boats. The island is often used by smugglers as a “back door” to Europe, as it lies outside the regular surveillance zones in the Mediterranean. Migrants usually set off from Tobruk or other Libyan ports and cross the open sea in overcrowded and often barely seaworthy boats. The crossing is said to cost up to 5000 US dollars. Most of the migrants come from countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Syria. They are fleeing poverty, political tensions or conflicts.
The route is chosen because Gavdos is outside the regular surveillance zones, which increases the chances of evading the coastguard. The boats usually land on the beaches of Tripiti or Karave, but are occasionally intercepted at sea by the coastguard. Some boats also simply enter the port of Karave. Gavdos, with no reception center or permanent aid structures, becomes the first stop on their long journey towards the mainland.
#2 Facts and figures about the current situation
The number of refugee boats arriving on Gavdos has risen sharply: While around 780 migrants were registered on Gavdos and Crete in 2023, this figure rose to over 4,700 in 2024. On average, at least one boat reaches the island every week, and some weeks there are even several. Some crossings have ended in dramatic rescue operations, with boats capsizing or sinking off the island. Recently, there have also been several fatalities.
#3 How the island is dealing with the situation
The arrival of migrants poses major challenges for the island community. Gavdos has no special infrastructure for refugees - there are no real reception centers or aid organizations on site. The island is often left to its own devices when it comes to initial contact. As is so often the case, the island community has to help itself. A few islanders, including the deputy mayor and a police officer, take care of the first aid. They provide the new arrivals with water, food, warm clothing and food. Thanks to an aid payment from the government, the basic supplies can be maintained.
The coastguard then organizes onward transport to the mainland, usually via Paleochora or Chora Sfakion to Chania. From there, they are taken to reception centers on the Greek mainland, where they are registered and receive further care.
Naturally, the locals are concerned about the situation. A further increase in the flow of refugees could quickly push the island to its limits. They need help, but at the same time do not want a massive presence of authorities and personnel on the island, as this could destroy the island's charm. It is agreed that the arrival of boats on the small island must be stopped quickly.
#4 Is Gavdos still safe? What travelers need to know
I received an increasing number of messages from concerned lovers of the island who felt that their island was in danger. In the same breath, the question of whether the island was still safe kept coming up. The clear answer is: Yes! The last year has shown that Gavdos is still very safe. As a traveler, you hardly ever come into contact with the situation. Upon arrival, the refugees are immediately received and cared for in order to arrange a quick onward transportation. If you are on Gavdos, you probably won't notice much of this. All the beaches, hiking trails, tavernas and sights are open to you as usual. Especially now, it's important for the locals that lovers and visitors to the island are not put off by the situation.
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